He didn't even have to give his name. The voice was familiar, as was the greeting. "Pastor, this is Dave Christy." Christmas has suddenly faded for someone. Dave is our local funeral director, and when he calls, it's usually bad news for someone. I don't suppose there is ever a good time to die, but some times are certainly worse than others. Christmas is at the top of my list of bad times to die. Years ago, Dave's predecessor called me on Christmas Day to tell me that a good friend had finally lost his battle with cancer.
Part of the problem is how we've sentimentalized the holiday. It's supposed to be a time of peace and joy and good cheer, unspotted by the normal troubles of life. But life doesn't suddenly change gears at Christmas. The hospitals don't empty out, nor do the nursing homes or jails. Homes shattered by divorce don't magically reunite, and people don't live happily ever after, despite what Hallmark Channel proclaims.
The Christmas story isn't about happy endings as much it is about hopeful beginnings. We look back to the birth of Christ and forward to his return. That first Christmas set in motion that which had been on God's heart and mind since before the beginning of time, but the Story doesn't end with the birth of a baby. Through this Story we are thrust towards a future yet to be realized, and reminded that in the midst of the struggles and difficulties of this life we hope for a better tomorrow. A friend posted this quote on Facebook: "Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is having the courage to dance to that song today." -Peter Kuzmich.
Wednesday I'll be officiating at a funeral for a family whose Christmas has forever been changed. We will remember the life of a woman loved by her family, respected by her friends. And I'll remind them of the hope we have because God sent his Son into a world much like theirs, with tears, pain, disappointment, and loss, pointing us to a future exploding with life and joy. I hope they will be able to hear the music, and maybe even take the hand of the One who invites them to the dance.
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